NIGEL MARTYN: West Ham blow won’t dent Everton FC’s European ambitions

I couldn't help but feel disappointed after the West Ham game. Beforehand you'd say it was a match we should have won.Credit to West Ham though. They came and gave it a really good go in the second half.But in the opening 45 minutes I thought Everton were in control without pulling up any trees. After that it was disappointing how we twice surrendered the lead.Mikel Arteta was a big miss though. He can influence and control games, and helps us retain the ball better. That's exactly what we needed later in the match. Also, I think Steven Pienaar plays better when Arteta's in the team.West Ham will be disappointed with the manner in which they conceded the first goal. They had a couple of chances to clear, but full marks to Tim Cahill for sticking with it and getting the ball to Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.After being involved in the first goal, it's another great cross from Leighton Baines for our second and a fantastic finish from Yakubu.At that point you're thinking we just need to shut it down and protect the lead.

Source: Liverpool_Echo